A big part of the reason why the Chiefs slipped from AFC West champions to missing the playoffs was injuries to key players.
Safety Eric Berry tore his ACL in the opener, running back Jamaal Charles was lost for the season in the second game with the same injury, quarterback Matt Cassel went down with a hand injury after nine games and tight end Tony Moeaki didn’t even make it to the regular season. He tore his ACL in the final preseason game and didn’t play a down for the team during the 2011 season.
Moeaki said Tuesday that he expects to be ready to go when the Chiefs gather for training camp this summer. He’s not sure how much work he’s going to be able to do in team activities before that, however.
“Rehab is good,” Moeaki said, via Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star. “As far as team activities, I’m just doing what the trainers and the coaching staff tells me to do. I don’t really know until we get there.”
While it would be nice to have Moeaki fully available while new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll installs the offense, his health for camp is more important. Moeaki will be almost a full year removed from surgery when camp opens, so he should be ready to go.
Moeaki’s loss was a big one for the Chiefs offense. He caught 47 passes as a rookie in 2010, but the Chiefs got just 34 catches from the position after his injury last season. With a healthy Moeaki and new arrival Kevin Boss, the tight end could be a useful part of the Kansas City offense again this season.